the buzzer sounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the buzzer sounded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to sports, games, or events where a buzzer indicates the end of a period or a significant moment. Example: "As the final seconds ticked away, the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The buzzer sounded.

The New Yorker

The buzzer sounded as the ball fell through the basket.

The New York Times - Sports

But the shot was long and the buzzer sounded.

The New York Times - Sports

There was no kicked-ball call and the buzzer sounded.

The New York Times - Sports

Suddenly the buzzer sounded on his apartment intercom.

The New York Times - Books

The ball swished through the net as the buzzer sounded.

The New York Times - Sports

His next shot, too, bounced back as the buzzer sounded.

The New York Times - Sports

The buzzer sounded as the ball fell through the net.

The New York Times - Sports

But the clock ran to zero and the buzzer sounded.

The New York Times - Sports

The buzzer sounded, and I jumped in the air as my teammates rushed the court.

Princeton University

As the buzzer sounded, a Beren player fell to the ground, exhausted in defeat.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the buzzer sounded" to clearly indicate the end of a timed event or activity, especially in contexts like sports, games, or timed tests.

Common error

Avoid using "the buzzer sounded" when a different type of sound is more appropriate (e.g. "the bell rang" for a school setting or "the siren wailed" for an emergency situation).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the buzzer sounded" functions primarily as a narrative device, often used to signal the conclusion of an event or activity. Ludwig provides numerous examples in sports contexts, demonstrating its role in marking the end of a game or round. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the buzzer sounded" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate the end of a timed event or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is primarily narrative, serving to signal completion in a clear and concise manner. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts but maintains a neutral register suitable for various settings. Remember to use it to mark terminations, but be aware of more specific alternatives like "the bell rang" when the situation calls for a different sound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the siren went off

Uses "siren" instead of "buzzer", implying a more urgent or alarming sound.

the final whistle blew

Employs "whistle" instead of "buzzer", typically used in sports contexts.

the hooter went off

Substitutes "buzzer" with "hooter", another term for a loud signaling device.

the bell rang

Replaces "buzzer" with "bell", suggesting a more traditional or school-related sound.

the klaxon sounded

Uses "klaxon" for "buzzer", implying a loud and distinctive horn.

time expired

Focuses on the concept of time running out, rather than the sound itself.

the clock ran out

Similar to "time expired", emphasizing the end of a timed period.

the timer went off

Replaces "buzzer" with "timer", focusing on the device that triggers the sound.

the game ended

Shifts the focus to the overall result rather than the specific sound.

the round concluded

Uses more formal language to describe the termination of a specific period of activity.

FAQs

How can I use "the buzzer sounded" in a sentence?

You can use "the buzzer sounded" to indicate the end of a timed event. For example, "The buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the quiz."

What are some alternatives to "the buzzer sounded"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the bell rang", "time expired", or "the siren went off", depending on the specific context.

Is "the buzzer sounded" formal or informal?

"The buzzer sounded" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings may prefer alternatives like "the round concluded".

What does "the buzzer sounded" typically imply?

"The buzzer sounded" generally implies the termination of an activity, often one that is timed or structured, such as a sports game, a competition, or a timed test.